First revolver...

E

ethernectar

New member
Hi Guys,

I'm considering purchasing my first revolver. I've got a number of autos (Sig P220, 2 Kimber customs, 2 Sig Trailsides, and a Walther) and thought it would be good to add a revolver to my little collection.

What are the popular calibers for revolvers?

Oh, and maybe you can answer this, I heard that a .357 will also shoot .38. Is that so? and is a .38 the same as a .380 auto or different altogether?

Thanks,

Matt
 
The .38 isn't the same as the .380 - it's entirely different. A .38 caliber gun will only shoot .38s but a .357 magnum will shoot .357 caliber bullets and .38's - but not at the same time.... ;) Many folks like magnums as it lets you practice with .38s and carry a magnum load for defense. P.S. .38s/.357 are the most common calibers for carry and defense as they're the more effective rounds and easier to handle at the range.
 
but a .357 magnum will shoot .357 caliber bullets and .38's - but not at the same time....
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And just why not? There is no reason why you can't mix the ammo in the cylinder.
 
Frankly, Majic, this is the first time I heard shooting both at the same time was possible. Not sure I would have wanted to do that yesterday at the range, considing what a time I had... ;)
 
A .357 will definitely shoot .38 and .357 with the same loading of the cylinder. The only difference is the length of the cartridge and the bigger loads in the magnum. For a first pistol I would consider the .357 for the fact it will use both loads. 38's for practice and familiarization. .357 for bigger band and destruction.
 
After talking with some friends who know what and how often I shoot, they've recommended going with a .44. So if I restrict my search to .44s who are the top manufacturers/custom shops?

Oh, btw I do reload.
 
Bear in mind that a .44 is going to cost you plenty in ammo, but if you have the income to support range time with this gun, Ruger and Smith and Wesson are top choices for a .44 model. Depends on the style you're looking for.

www.smithandwesson.com
www.ruger.com

P.S. if you reload, that'll save you financially but I think you should specify if this is for carry/defense or just for the range.
 
Ouch! Your first revolver is going to be a 44. That's alot of gun. I've got one, but it's used for hunting deer once a year. My S&W model 686 (357/38) is perfect for target or self defense. Plus, if you reload most ranges have empty 38 cases spent all over the floor to be picked up and reloaded.
 
If you are going to go with a .44 I highly recommend the Ruger Redhawk, or Super Redhawk. both are outstanding .44 magnums. A .44 mag "can" be a bit to handle, but frankly it depends on how recoil sensitive you are. For me, i use .44 mags to target shoot (i also reload, but bear in mind my target ammo is not full house magnum rounds... they are lower velocity mags).

If you are going for a .357 then I would personally recommend the S&W 686, it will shoot both .38's and .357s. However you also can't go wrong with the Ruger GP-100.

As always YMMV, but those are the revos i own or have shot, and i like them both very very much.

For what its worth i have also shot a taurus 608 .357 mag and raging bull in .454, both are also nice firearms.
 
The only differences in .357 and .38 is length, pressure, and a naming convention. ".38 special" bullets are the same .357" diameter.

Never trust a name for accurate info :)
 
The best .44 Mag. I own, I bought used. The SW 29-2
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Slightly second best is the SW 629 Mountain Gun.
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Good Luck
 
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